Do you find it too much of a hassle to pull out your phone every time you need to read a text or email? Well, luckily now you can just check your watch.

Sony on Thursday launched its SmartWatch, a wearable timepiece that allows owners to read their text messages, emails, and social media updates — all from their wrist. The SmartWatch connects to Android smartphones via Bluetooth, and then sends information from the phone directly to the watch.

The device comes with a black rubber strap, but fashion-conscious techies can purchase additional bands in pink, white, mint, gray, and blue. The face of the watch is actually an OLED touch screen measuring 1.3 inches. To alert users of incoming calls or other events, the device vibrates and displays a notification on the screen.

The SmartWatch also gives users hands-free control of their smartphone, allowing them to access music or snap photos on their phone from a distance. The SmartWatch works with most Android phones running version 2.1 and above.

"With just a tap, touch and swipe, SmartWatch turns from a watch displaying the time to a remote information center for your Android smartphone," Sony said in a news release.

The device is "dust proof and splash proof" and also comes with a rear-mounted clip, so the screen can be removed from the wristband and attached to clothing or a belt. Users can download apps that have been customized for the device on Google Play, formerly known as the Android Market.

The SmartWatch is available now for $149.99 in Sony stores and on the company's online marketplace. Extra straps will run you $19.95.

About the Author

Angela has been a PCMag reporter since January 2012. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a reporter for SC Magazine, covering everything related to hackers and computer security. Angela has also written for The Northern Valley Suburbanite in New Jersey, The Dominion Post in West Virginia, and the Uniontown-Herald Standard in Pennsylvania. She ... See Full Bio

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